Woman returns Christmas tree to Costco 'because it's dead'

Updated 3:10 pm, Sunday, January 14, 2018

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A woman returned her Christmas tree to Costco because it had apparently died, and got her money back.

Media: Time

Costco's magnanimous return policy was severely tested last week in Santa Clarita, Calif., when a woman returned her Christmas tree to the big-box store and asked for a full refund "because it was dead."

And even though Yule fir trees are pretty much dead once you chop them down a month or so before Christmas, she got her refund, according to another customer.

Used Christmas trees are often left on curbs for waste collectors after the holidays, but a woman in Santa Clarita, Calif., brought hers back to Costco for a refund, "because it was dead."

Used Christmas trees are often left on curbs for waste collectors after the holidays, but a woman in Santa Clarita, Calif., brought hers back to Costco for a refund, "because it was dead."

Photo: Cuate Santos, Laredo Morning Times

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Take advantage of tech support

Here's a smart reason to buy your next TV at Costco: With all tech purchases at this discount retailer, you get access to an on-call concierge line for free tech support via the phone. No more yelling at the remote the next time your Netflix isn't syncing. less

Here's a smart reason to buy your next TV at Costco: With all tech purchases at this discount retailer, you get access to an on-call concierge line for free tech support via the phone. No more yelling at the ... more

Photo: PAUL SAKUMA, ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Save money with gift cards

"You can buy various gift cards at a discount — usually a $100 value for just $79.99," says Matt, the mysterious blogger behind Costco Insider. Look for gift cards for movie theaters, restaurants, entertainment, and more. less

"You can buy various gift cards at a discount — usually a $100 value for just $79.99," says Matt, the mysterious blogger behind Costco Insider. Look for gift cards for movie theaters, restaurants, ... more

Photo: Daniel Acker, Bloomberg

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Score better prices on vehicles

No one enjoys haggling with a car salesman. Since more than 3,000 dealerships are part of the Costco Auto Program, you get a huge selection of new or pre-owned cars (or motorcycles or snowmobiles or side-by-sides) to choose from that the Costco team has already negotiated down for an even better deal. less

No one enjoys haggling with a car salesman. Since more than 3,000 dealerships are part of the Costco Auto Program, you get a huge selection of new or pre-owned cars (or motorcycles or snowmobiles or ... more

Photo: Nati Harnik

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Find amazing travel deals

Price cuts don't just apply to what's on the shelves in this store. Members also get discounts off of all-inclusive resorts, theme parks, plane flights, car rentals, and cruise ships. Do we hear Mexico calling your name? less

Price cuts don't just apply to what's on the shelves in this store. Members also get discounts off of all-inclusive resorts, theme parks, plane flights, car rentals, and cruise ships. Do we hear Mexico calling ... more

Photo: Nati Harnik

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Pick up prescriptions for less

If your insurance doesn't cover all of your medications, you need to investigate Costco's Prescription Program, which has a list of drugs members can get for a fraction of the price — many for just $5.

If your insurance doesn't cover all of your medications, you need to investigate Costco's Prescription Program, which has a list of drugs members can get for a fraction of the price — many for just $5.

Photo: Scott Olson, Getty Images

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Buy movie tickets in bulk

Anyone who loves going to see the latest blockbuster or catching DiCaprio's most recent Oscar-worthy performance, you know ticket prices add up — fast. At Costco, you can buy discounted cinema tickets in packs of four or 10 that never expire. less

Anyone who loves going to see the latest blockbuster or catching DiCaprio's most recent Oscar-worthy performance, you know ticket prices add up — fast. At Costco, you can buy discounted cinema tickets in ... more

Photo: Vstock LLC, Getty Images

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Get your ears checked for free

Bypass the co-pay at your ear doctor and head to Costco's Hearing Aid Centers, where they offer free exams for members. Even better: They don't charge for follow-up appointments or cleanings either.

Bypass the co-pay at your ear doctor and head to Costco's Hearing Aid Centers, where they offer free exams for members. Even better: They don't charge for follow-up appointments or cleanings either.

Photo: SUZANNE DECHILLO

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Print personal checks for a fraction

Running out of checks is a pain, because it's costly to replace them. But the warehouse club offers the same service for half of the price as your bank — and you can pick up business checks, ink stamps, and tax forms while you're there. less

Running out of checks is a pain, because it's costly to replace them. But the warehouse club offers the same service for half of the price as your bank — and you can pick up business checks, ink stamps, and ... more

Photo: Mayra Beltran, Staff

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Stay hydrated with ease

Instead of constantly refilling your Brita, let Costco bring water to you. You can choose from Spring, purified, and artesian water and have it delivered directly to your door or office for just $6 for a large bottle. Or rent a dispense for between $1 and $3 every month — depending on you level of membership. less

Instead of constantly refilling your Brita, let Costco bring water to you. You can choose from Spring, purified, and artesian water and have it delivered directly to your door or office for just $6 for a large ... more

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Forget coupons, just use your phone

Costco doesn't accept general manufacturer coupons, but you can use rebate apps to save. "With cash back apps — like Ibotta, Mobisave, and Checkout51 — you can submit your Costco receipts and anywhere from $0.20 to $3 will be deposited into your account," says Melody Hansen, the blogger behind This Beautiful Frugal Life. "Once you hit a certain amount, you can redeem for cash or gift cards." less

Costco doesn't accept general manufacturer coupons, but you can use rebate apps to save. "With cash back apps — like Ibotta, Mobisave, and Checkout51 — you can submit your Costco receipts and anywhere from ... more

Photo: Ap/getty

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Woman returns Christmas tree to Costco 'because it's dead'

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I can't make this stuff up," Bentley wrote. "Woman in line at Costco, totally nonchalant, to return her Christmas tree 'because it is dead' on January 4.